Durham City AFC History

The club was first inaugurated in the 1918-1919 season, and for that season only operated in the old Victory League, which was formed in celebration of the end of the First World War. Subsequently the team was amitted to the North Eastern League (which included such teams as Newcastle United, Sunderland and Middlesbrough reserves) where they played for two seasons before being admitted to Division 3 North in the season 1921-1922. The club operated in that league until 1928 when they failed to gain re-election. The club immediately rejoined the North Eastern League where thay stayed until 1938, when due to financial constraints, the club was force to disband. For a short period during the following season, the club (having changed it's designation and then being known as Durham AFC) became members of the Wearside League but were again disbanded in November 1938, and it was not until the season commencing in 1950 that the club was reformed, gaining admission as members of the Wearside League, where they operated until 1952, when the club was successful in gaining admission to the Northern League.

Since it was origionally formed, the club has occupied five different grounds. The first of these being at Garden House Park (almost where County Hall stands now), where they stayed for one season only, moving immediately to Kepier Heughs, a larger field near to old Ferens Park ground. Here they stayed for four seasons. The clud then moved to Holiday Park (named after the late Alderman T.W. Holiday, a former mayor of the city), this ground was situated next to the large gasometer along Framwellgate Waterside in the City, where the club stayed until 1938. The club's fourth ground was acquired when they reformed in 1950 and was named after the late Alderman H.C. Ferens, who was for many years prior to his death in 1975, President of the club, and who was agenerous benefactor in connection with the perchase of the land. Ferens Park was probably one of the most attractive grounds in the Northern League, being set in rural surroundings and its facilities included a comfortable clubhouse, covered stand and floodlights.

The attendance record at Ferens Park stood at 7,000 when on the 7th November 1957, Tranmere Rovers were the visitors in the Second Round of the FA Challenge Cup. Unfortunately on that day, City lost 0-3. Another excellent attendance was on the occasion of the visit of Emley in the Quarter Finals of the FA Vase during th 1978-79 season, when 3,500 spectators attended. Unfortunately City also lost this game by a score of 2-4. Emley progressed to the final, and went on to win the Vase. City left Ferens Park at the end of their Championship winning 1993-94 season, the groung being sold for housing development. However because their new stadium was not completed in time for the start of the 1994-95 season, City were unable to take their rightful place in the Unibond League. The club's new ground, its fifth, is the New Ferens Park, and is situated at Belmont on the outskirts of the City. The stadium has been perpose built, and boasts a two-storey clubhouse, 300 seater stand, and also covered accommodation for 600 standing spectators, and excellent floodlights.

A brief summary of the club's success and achievements are as follows:

D.F.A. Benevolent Bowl Winners - 1955/56

D.F.A. Challenge Cup Winners - 1971/72

F.A. Challenge Cup, First Round Proper - 1927/28 & 1955/56

F.A. Challenge Cup, Second Round Proper - 1925/26 & 1957/58

F.A. Vase, Semi Finals - 2001/02; Quarter Finals - 1987/88

F.A. Trophy, First Round - 1983/84 & 1994/95

Northern League Champions - 1993/94

Northern League, Division 1 Runners-Up - 1970/71, 2003/04

Northern League, Division 2 Champions - 1998/99

Northern League, Division 2 Runners-Up - 1991/92

Northern League Cup Winners - 2001/02

Northern League Cup Runners-Up - 1957/58, 1976/77, 1985/86, 1999/2000

J.R. Cleator Cup Winners - 1994/95

Through-out the years, the club has produced and developed many good players, including the following who have progressed to Football league clubs:

Harry Houlahan (Newcastle United 1951)
Derek Clark (Lincoln City 1951)
Leo Dale (Doncaster Rovers 1954)
Stan Johnston (Gateshead United 1954)
Dennis Coulghan (Barnsley 1957)
John Wile (Sunderland 1966)
Brian Taylor (Coventry City 1968)
David Adamson (Doncaster Rovers 1970)
Paul Malcolm (Rochdale 1984)

The late George Camsell who lived in Framwellgate Moor, played for City in the Third Division North of the Football League. He was transfered from City to Middlesbrough FC where, during the seasons 1923-39 scored an amazing 344 league goals, and also played several times for England.

Also playing for City during their Football League period was Sammy Crooks, who joined the club from Tow Law Town, but a season later he was transfered to Derby County for the pricely sum of £300. He made his First Division debut for The Rams in a 2-1 win over Leicester City in the autumn of 1927. He later went on to play 26 times for England, and only the Second World War denied him further honours, and was unlucky to miss Derby's FA cup win of 1946 due to injury. Sammy died in 1981, and his career has been marked by the club naming the upper lounge at New Ferens Park, 'The Sammy Crooks Lounge', and is also home to some of the memorabilia from his playing career.